It’s Never Too Late to Choose a Word (or Verse!) of the Year
I know we’re almost in March, and part of me wondered if it was “too late” to write about choosing a Word of the Year or making a vision board.
Most bloggers had their posts up on January 1, complete with color-coded goals, matching pens, and a fresh planner that probably smells like eucalyptus and competence.
Meanwhile, I'm over here still trying to remember what day it is and trying to figure out why I have three different notebooks for getting organized but I'm still writing my grocery list on the back of a random piece of junk mail.
I didn’t choose my word on January 1.
I chose it when life finally got quiet enough for me to hear it, which, in my house, is roughly never. 🤪
This year has already been full of transition, reflection, and a whole lot of me “trying harder.” My default mode is to push through, make a plan, and power my way forward. But when I finally slowed down long enough to pray about what God wanted for me this year, I felt Him whisper something completely different:
Not “achieve inner peace by 3 p.m.”
And honestly? The moment I received that word, I felt this wave of relief. Like God was gently taking my to-do list out of my hands and saying, “Dear Child, sit down before you sprain something and take a look around. I’m already at work.”
So yes, it’s almost March. And yes, I’m sharing this now because God reminded me that reflection doesn’t have an expiration date. I don’t have to operate on a perfect timeline to deepen our relationship with Him. And neither do you.
Why a Word of the Year (or Verse of the Year) Still Matters
Choosing a word isn’t about being trendy or having your life together (thank goodness because otherwise I definitely wouldn’t be qualified 😅).
It’s about creating a simple, meaningful anchor for your year. Something you can return to when life feels loud, overwhelming, or like you’re trying really hard but not sure what direction you’re heading.
And if a single word feels too vague?
Try choosing a Verse of the Year instead.
Sometimes Scripture says exactly what our hearts can’t quite put into words. A verse can become:
a prayer you keep circling back to
a theme God keeps highlighting
a truth you want to cling to
A compass for your "crazy" (like when you’re hiding in the pantry for a 30-second sanity break)
A Few Gentle (and Slightly Ridiculous) Ways to Choose Your Word or Verse
If you’re not sure where to start, try one of these options:
Notice what keeps showing up in your prayers
Pay attention to the themes in your journaling or doodles, or random thoughts
Think about what you want to release this year
Ask God, “What do You want to grow in me right now?”
Look for a verse that feels like a steadying hand on your shoulder
Choose the word that makes you slightly uncomfortable, a lot of times the one God is working on
Or, if all else fails, close your eyes, open your Bible, point to a verse and choose that one. If you don’t like the one you chose, repeat the process until you find one that resonates with you.
This doesn’t have to be complicated. Let it be simple, honest, and a little out of the box.
Creating a Vision Board That Isn’t About Hustle
I had never made a vision board before, so I wasn’t exactly sure what I was doing. What I ended up with was not a “manifest your dream life by Tuesday” situation.
It was more like a spiritual mood board.
A collection of reminders, prayers, colors, verses, and little visual cues that reflect the season I’m actually in, sometimes with a dash of extra because that’s just who I am.
Your board can be on paper or digital, fancy or very much not fancy, whatever floats your boat! Here are some thing it could include:
reminders of who you are in Christ
stickers, washi tape, or other decorative items and mementos
photos that feel peaceful, inspiring, or just make you smile
phrases that help you breathe deeper
reminders of God’s character and faithfulness
and maybe a picture of a cozy chair you hope to sit in someday when your house is quiet for more than 11 seconds
This isn’t about achieving something.
It’s about paying attention.
A Free Gift to Help You Get Started (Use What You Want, Ignore the Rest)
Because blank pages can feel weirdly intimidating (and because I want to make things as easy peasy as possible), I created a little something for you, a Word + Verse of the Year Starter Kit!
It includes (but feel free to pick and choose what works for you)!
a guided worksheet to help you choose your word or verse
a mini vision board template
printable doodle-style Scripture stickers
a few cut-out icons and banners for your board
There are no deadlines, rules, or “spiritual productivity” scorecards so come as you are, and do what you like!
If You’re Reading This “Late”… You’re Right on Time
Whether it’s January, March, or July, it’s never too late to pause, breathe, and ask God what He wants to cultivate in you this year.
Your word (or verse) will find you when you’re ready for it.
And I’m excited to see what yours will be. 💗
